Hawk Fire expands to over 10,500 acres in Nevada; Reno mayor urges immediate evacuation

Published Aug 23, 02:56 PM UTC

The Hawk Fire, a fast-growing wildfire in Washoe County, Nevada, expanded to over 10,500 acres by early Sunday, forcing the evacuation of nearly 14,000 homes and reaching the edge of the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve urged residents to evacuate immediately, stating that lives are more important than buildings. Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency and mobilized the Nevada National Guard, including two helicopter crews and 60 troops, to support firefighting and protect evacuated neighborhoods. The fire, which began Saturday, was fueled by strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation. Approximately 400 personnel from local, state, and federal agencies are battling the blaze. Nearly 10,000 homes and businesses lost power, and portions of U.S. Route 395 were closed. Authorities are also monitoring a county detention facility near the evacuation zone. This fire follows earlier wildfires north of Reno that scorched 100,000 acres and displaced over 13,000 residents.